FAQS

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Dressember. Don't see your question answered below? We'd love to hear from you.

+ Is my donation tax-deductible?

Dressember is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization by the IRS. Donations made are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law.

+ I'm donating from a country outside of the US? Is my donation secure? Is my donation tax-deductible?

Your donation is secure, but not eligible for tax deduction outside of the US at this time.

+ What do I do if I receive cash or check donations?

If you are collecting checks, please have them made out to Dressember Foundation, and mail them together by the end of December. It is essential that these are postmarked by December 31st at the latest in order for the donation to be tax deductible for 2018. Checks received in January will count as a 2019 contribution. Make sure you include your full name as you are registered on the campaign site, or your Dressember Team name, if applicable.

Please mail checks to:

Dressember

PO Box 1092

Ashland OR 97520

If you receive cash donations, you can also mail us a check for the amount of the cash and let us know the campaign page to receive credit, as well as the names & addresses of donors; this will also allow us to send the donor a contribution receipt. In the past some advocates have received cash and then just made a credit card contribution online to their pages. We want you to understand that by doing that it does not allow us to get a contribution receipt to the donor, which denies the donor the ability to take a tax deduction.

+ I received donations from a Facebook fundraiser. Why aren't they showing up on my campaign page?

Facebook fundraisers are not connected to your Dressember campaign page. Since Facebook can hold these funds for up to 5 weeks, the only way to guarantee that these funds are directly credited to your campaign page is to raise funds directly through your campaign page link. If you did fundraise on Facebook outside of Giving Tuesday and would like this credited to your campaign page, please send us an email to hello@dressember.org.

+ How does Dressember raise money, and where does the money go?

Dressember participants help spread awareness about a world issue by committing to the challenge of wearing dresses all month. All month, those who participate spread the word about what they're doing and why, compelling many others in their lives to contribute to the cause by making a monetary contribution. Dressember gives grants to 12 different organizations tackling the issue of human trafficking in different ways. Learn more about our grant partners here.

+ Do skirts count?

You can wear skirts, but only over dresses. It's not called Skirtember, folks.

+ My job requires that I wear pants.

You can wear pants when you need to — as with a job that requires pants, or when you're working out, cleaning, or sleeping. Wear a dress when you get to choose what to wear.

+ I only have a few dresses. Should I go out and buy a bunch more?

No. We encourage you to be creative! Consider sharing dresses with a friend/roommate/sister, or take the challenge of wearing the same dress all month!

+ I'd love to participate, but it's really cold in December where I live.

Believe it or not, many people in colder regions like Montreal, NYC, Chicago, Scotland, and even Alaska have participated in Dressember — and loved it. There are some helpful loopholes — like wearing pants under dresses, fleece-lined tights, lots of layers — and most importantly, enthusiasm for the cause- that can help you survive the bitter cold. We also suspect that those of you in colder areas can have the biggest impact in raise awareness and support, since it is such a jarring challenge to undertake! Consider this powerful statement from a participant in Ontario: "A dress everyday for 31 days during a Canadian winter is a minor discomfort compared to that of so many affected by slavery and sexual exploitation. I hope, if nothing else, to raise awareness of this dark reality that is still very present in our world, our country, our city."

+ I hate dresses. Is there another way I can help?

Yes. Spread the word in your community and encourage others to join in. You can also make a donation to the campaign or to a specific participant. If you're on the fence about joining, though, might we tempt you by pointing out that some of the most amazing stories and testimonials come from those who decided to participate in spite of hating dresses? We love the notion of doing one thing that scares you every day; maybe Dressember could challenge you in a new and beautiful way. Here's where you can learn more about why we wear dresses during Dressember.

+ Isn't it the responsibility of government to address social issues like human trafficking?

Slavery is illegal in all countries, but not enforced in all countries. Perpetrators are not punished in many countries, leading to perpetuation of exploitation with impunity. Slavery is rampant in many countries where, because they see economic profit from the industry, government leaders turn a blind eye. We therefore have the challenge of not only seeking change in our own countries, but also abroad. Our grant partners have been working tirelessly for years to free those who are trapped in slavery in countries whose legal systems offer little chance of liberation. Learn more about our partnerships and impact here.